Fawu demands R3,000 monthly food vouchers for Shoprite workers, says charity can’t replace economic justice

Union demands R3,000 monthly vouchers and corporate accountability

The Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) has called on Shoprite Checkers to provide a R3 000 monthly food voucher for all its workers, arguing that charity cannot replace structural economic measures to address hunger and rising living costs. The demand was made public on 21 May 2026.

What Fawu wants from Shoprite

In a statement, Fawu set out a list of immediate demands it wants Shoprite management to meet. These include:

• A significant reduction in prices of essential and staple food items across Shoprite, Checkers and Usave stores.
• Full transparency regarding profit margins on essential food products.
• An immediate improvement in wages and working conditions for retail employees.
• The introduction of a R3 000 monthly food voucher for all workers employed by Shoprite Checkers, including those in Shoprite, Checkers, Usave and all subsidiaries.
• Meaningful engagement with trade unions and community formations fighting against hunger and poverty.

Union’s criticisms and figures cited

Fawu criticised major retailers for relying on limited Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives while continuing to make large profits from poor communities. The organisation noted with concern that Shoprite reportedly makes approximately R20 million in profits per day. It also said the Shoprite CEO, Pieter Engelbrecht, reportedly earns R87 million a year, while many employees earn wages that do not meet the cost of living.

Principle and partnerships

Fawu framed its demands around a rights-based view of food, saying in the statement that “food is not a luxury; it is a basic human right.” The union rejected what it described as attempts by major retailers to “hide behind” limited CSI programmes.

“Charity can never replace economic justice,” Fawu said.

Support for wider campaigns and planned action

Fawu said it supports the mass mobilisation #FoodPriceMustFall, called by the Union Against Hunger, and pledged support for planned mass action over the escalating food crisis. The union also noted World Hunger Day on 28 May 2026 in its statement of support.

Response from Shoprite

The Citizen reported that it reached out to Shoprite headquarters for comment from CEO Pieter Engelbrecht but no sufficient response had been received at the time of publication. Fawu urged workers, communities and progressive organisations to unite in the struggle against hunger, exploitation and corporate greed.

Fawu concluded its release with the rallying phrase: “Injury to one is an injury to all.”